Where does the nine-banded armadillo live?
The nine-banded armadillo lives from the east coast of the United States to southern Uruguay: one of the largest ranges among armadillos. It is found in many kinds of habitats, from mature and secondary rainforests to grassland and dry scrub. It cannot thrive in particularly cold or dry environments, as its large surface area, not well insulated by fat, makes it susceptible to heat and water loss.
What does the nine-banded armadillo eat?
It is an insectivore, feeding chiefly on ants, termites and other small invertebrates. It is a solitary, mainly nocturnal animal. It can jump 91 to 120 cm straight in the air if sufficiently frightened, making it a particular danger on roads. It is one of the largest species of armadillos.
Is the nine-banded armadillo endangered?
No: the IUCN lists it as Least Concern. It generally weighs 2.5 to 6.5 kg, up to 10 kg for the largest, and is 64 to 107 cm long including the tail. It was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
